Installing Norwich Panels Outdoors: Basic Guidelines

1. Begin your panel installation by first cleaning the wall on which the faux stone face will be attached. Wipe off the surface and use a wire brush on harder surfaces. Wipe down the back of the FauxPanel as well.

Acclimatize the faux stone face panel to roughly the same temperature and humidity as the installation wall for about 24 hours. Do not store FauxPanels in direct sunlight or close to heat sources before installing.

2. This step shows how to use a drainage mat behind the faux stone face in your panel installation. Roll out and apply the FauxPanel Drainage Mat to the entire wall surface being covered. Use the adhesive/glue behind the mat and exterior-grade staples through the mat into the wall to firmly attach the mat to the wall.

NOTE: If a house wrap is used, (always check and comply with all building codes that pertain to your region if house wrap is needed) the Drainage Mat must be installed on top of the house wrap, not the other way around. The DM-3611R Drainage Mat meets the Canadian Building Codes and is required for most exterior installations done in Canada.

4. Apply a bead of adhesive/glue to the perimeter of the back of the faux stone face, roughly an inch from the edge.

Add additional adhesive/glue to the rest of the panel back in a vertical straight line pattern. Keep the beads of glue/adhesive only 4 inches apart or less

5. Apply the FauxPanel to the wall. Use a slight twisting motion to ensure good contact between the adhesive/glue and the wall for proper panel installation. Make sure the panel is level.

6. Fasten the faux stone face panel to the wall with screws around the perimeter, keeping them roughly one foot apart or less. Place additional screws in the middle of the panel at a rate of about 1 screw per square foot. All screws should be very slightly recessed below the surface of the faux stone faux panel. Do not over tighten the screws.

Hint: Placing screws under protruding rocks, in crevices, or grout lines, will hide them and provide a cleaner and more realistic look.

7. Add adhesive to the lip of the FauxPanel where the next panel will overlap, about 1 inch away from the textured surface of the panel.

8. Add textured caulk to the seam where the panels meet. This is very important to ensure a weather-tight seal.
Steps 7 & 8 help maintain the integrity of the panel installation by preventing any possible flexing or separation of the product due to extreme temperature and humidity changes once the installation is complete. Textured caulk can be used to conceal the screw heads as well.

9. Repeat steps 4-8 for the next faux panel to be installed. Place it onto the wall next to the first panel. Keep the panel level. Press the panels tightly against the wall with a slight wiggle motion to help spread the glue for a tight seal.
Install the panel very closely against the first faux stone panel, as they may expand and contract with temperature changes. Continue repeating steps 4-9 until the first row is complete.

10. Use a damp cloth to remove any excess textured caulk before it dries. A wet finger, paint brush, or other similar tool can assist in smoothing and blending the caulk. Also use the textured caulk to fill in any voids, gaps, screw heads, or spaces. Click here for more details on caulking panels.

11. If you are installing multiple rows of FauxPanels, start on the next row above the one just completed. Repeat steps 4-9 for the next row of panels to be installed.

Note: The panels are designed to butt up to each other bottom to top. This 'shiplap' joint should be glued and caulked as described in steps 7 & 8 to ensure a tight seal and seamless look.

For a more random look, offset each row by a half sheet. This will make pattern repeats less noticeable.

12. Using the paint from the Touch-up Kit, paint the FauxPanels, screw heads, and textured caulk as needed. Click here for more details on Touching Up Norwich Panels.

Stand back and admire your handiwork.